2nd Saturday in September
Burleson County ChamBer of CommerCe 301 N. Main Street, Caldwell, TX 77836 contact@burlesoncounty.com 979-567-0000 • www.BurlesonCountytTx.com
Kolache Festival to begin with Parade of Costumes
Old world tradition brought as new event for downtown Caldwell festival
By Denise Squier
The Burleson County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for its annual Kolache Festival, and the chamber is looking to some “Old World” traditions to enhance the Czech culture in the local event.
And, one of the new “old” events added to this year’s festival is the “Kroje Folk Costume Parade,” which will officially kick off the 39th annual Kolache Festival.
A kroj (plural: kroje) is a traditional Czech, Moravian, Silesian, Rusyn and Slovak folk-dress (commonly called “costume”) worn by both men and women. All are traditionally handmade and are works of art and love, with a woman’s kroj usually being more detailed and intricate than a man’s kroj. Kroje played an important role in all social events and folk gatherings, such as weddings and funerals.
See PARADE, page 20
These children and villagers wearing traditional kroje paraded in Brno, Czechoslovakia, during the Feast Day of Corpus Christi.
Chamber appreciates all its festival volunteers
Planning for the Kolache Festival kicks off every March, as the chamber staff collaborates with the festival committee to showcase our community’s rich Czech heritage.
After dedicating five years to organizing the Kolache Festival, I am excited to express gratitude to various individuals and groups whose goal is to make the festival the best it can be.
My goal is to spotlight each committee member and the specific event they manage:
* Adventureland - David Pevehouse
* Kolache Bake Show competitionAnn Sebesta, Lillian Beasley, Carolyn Brinkmann, Holly Narro and Kaydie Degelia
* Eating Contest - Scott Ofczarzak
* Car Show - Jamie Jennings, April Cunningham and Isabel Alcocer
* Antique Machinery & Tractor Show
- Edmond and Lenora Sebesta and Jason Sebesta
* Miss Kolache Festival Queen Contest - Sharon & Hannah Kovar
* Beer Concessions - Randy Gaas
* Bands - Janice Easter
The burleson county chamber of commerce & the Kolache Festival Committee would like to thank this year's sponsors!
* Quilt Show - Sharon Colley and Twana Benner
* Kraitchar House - Nancy Massey and Patty Vychopen
* Czech Heritage Museum - Christine Campbell
* Opening Ceremonies - Joe Rychlik, Zack and Natalie Zgabay
* SPJST Beseda Dancers - Holly Narro and Loree Lewis
* First Aid Station - Dalinda Leighton
* Kolache Krunch 5K Run - Jennifer Supak and Sheila Homeyer
The group’s hard work and dedication are immeasurable, yet most may not even have the chance to experience the event they have tirelessly worked to bring to life.
We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of the City of Caldwell staff and work crews who prepare our city for the festival and ensure everything runs smoothly for our guests. Thank you for all your efforts before, during and after the festival. I also want to highlight a group that rarely receives recognition for their efforts: the chamber staff, consisting
of Patsy Rose Goodnight, McKenzie Parker and Isabel Alcocer. They handle a variety of responsibilities to ensure that festival brochures, posters, maps, schedules and fans are ready for the event. They oversee food, arts and bakery vendors, manage sponsorships, create promotional materials and update the chamber website. I truly value their dedication and hard work towards the success of the festival. In addition to the festival, this group of ladies also coordinate additional chamber events such as Margarita Fest, hiring events, Daddy Daughter Dance, ribbon cuttings and more.
A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who help with various tasks during the festival, such as hanging banners, marking off vendor booths, guiding vendors and assisting at the information booth. Your contribution does not go unnoticed.
Should you encounter any of these diligent individuals at the festival, church or grocery store, kindly spare a moment to convey your gratitude and admiration for their commitment
to ensuring the annual success of the Kolache Festival in Caldwell. And, from those of us at the chamber, we invite you to join us on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, for the 39th Annual Kolache Festival at the square in downtown Caldwell.
Susan Mott Burleson County Chamber Director
2024 Kolache Bake Show Sponsors
Grand Champion Plaque • Reserve Champion Plaque
Grand Champion Cash Award $300 • Reserve Champion Cash Award $100
SPJST Lodge #17 New Tabor • SPJST Lodge #9 Snook
SPJST Lodge #186 Caldwell
KOLACHE NON-PROFESSIONAL – BURLESON COUNTY
Grand Champion Plaque
Prosperity Bank
Reserve Champion Plaque
Prosperity Bank
Grand Champion Cash Award $300
Shimek Professional Building Reserve Champion Cash Award $100
Strickland Funeral Home
KOLACHE NON-PROFESSIONAL – STATE
Grand Champion Plaque
Prosperity Bank
Reserve Champion Plaque
Prosperity Bank
Grand Champion Cash Award $300 Slovacek Foods LP
Reserve Champion Cash Award $100
Sargento’s Mexican Restaurant KOLACHE PROFESSIONAL
Grand Champion Plaque
The Charles J Sebesta Sr Award
Professional Excellence in Baking
Charles & Jane Sebesta
Reserve Champion Plaque
Carolyn Brinkmann
Grand Champion Plaque
Citizens State Bank
Reserve Champion Plaque
Citizens State Bank
Grand Champion Cash Award $300 Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home
Reserve Champion Cash Award $100 Danny Koerth, CPA, P.C.
KOLACHE ROLL
Grand Champion Cash Award $300 Burns & Reyes-Burns, PLLC
Reserve Champion Cash Award $100
Burns & Reyes-Burns, PLLC
Mayor’s Welco M e:
Vitam Vas!!
I am proud of my Czech heritage and even more proud that our great community has continued to promote the Czech culture here with the Kolache Festival.
A special “thank you” to the City of Caldwell employees that work behind the scenes to make this event successful. The festival would not be what it is without the continuous dedication of so many volunteers that work for months to prepare for this event.
I am also grateful for the outpouring of generosity from businesses and individuals that support the Kolache Festival through monetary donations.
On behalf of the City of
Caldwell, I welcome everyone to Caldwell and hope you have a fun day and that you get to eat some kolaches.
Janice Urbanosky Easter Mayor of Caldwell
Ed Kopecky & the Fun Time Polka Band to play Pre-Festival Party
The Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum is celebrating its 31st anniversary at the annual Yard Party and Street Dance to be held at the museum grounds on Friday, Sept. 13, at the corner of Fawn and Shaw streets.
The pre-Kolache Festival yard party and street dance will usher in the 39th annual Kolache Festival with a Czech style meal (pork steak, cabbage, noodles) and a dance featuring Ed Kopecky & the Fun Time Polka Band.
The dinner will begin at 6 p.m., with the dance from 7-10 p.m.
There will be pre-sold tickets only and may be purchased from a BCCHM member or at the chamber office. Attendees are encouraged to bring your lawn chairs and dress for the warm weather.
The party is held to help support the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum’s mission of preserving the county’s Czech heritage and educating the community through the maintaining of the museum and hosting of educational cultural events throughout the year.
CALDWELL MAYOR
JANICE EASTER
Miss Kolache Festival
The tradition of a Miss Kolache Festival began in 2010 when the first-ever Miss Kolache Festival was selected.
Macy Narro, daughter of Ralph and Holly Narro of Caldwell, currently serves as the 2023 Miss Kolache Festival.
To qualify for the title of Miss Kolache, a candidate must be single, a Burleson County resident of Czech descent and between the ages of 17-25. She must also be an active member of at least one Czech fraternal or service organization, such as the SPJST, Texas Czech Heritage Society or the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum. She must also be enrolled in a state or private university or technical school.
Candidates must write a 500-word essay on the topic “Preserving and Promoting Czech Heritage” and submit it to the Burleson County Chamber office by Aug. 23.
The winner receives a minimum $750 scholarship, and she will be presented at the opening ceremony of the Kolache Festival wearing a Czech costume.
The new Miss Kolache Festival will visit event venues during the festival, including the quilt show, the car show, the antique farm equipment show and the Kolache Bake Show awards ceremony. She will also represent Caldwell at other Czech-related events throughout the year.
Past queens include: Sydney Faust (2022), Riley Green (2021), Natalee See (2019), Kaylea Walker (2018), Morgan Sebesta (2017), Carlee See (2016), Deanna Hairrell (2015), Brittanie Gaas (2014), Anna Faust (2013), Hannah Kovar (2012 and 2011) and Lindsey Jones (2010).
Macy Narro was named the 2023 Miss Kolache Festival. The 2024 Miss Kolache Festival will be crowned during the opening ceremonies of this year’s festival.
distance makes a difference.
In an emergency, distance makes a difference.
A health emergency is something most of us would rather prevent than plan for.
But when you need medical care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. As your neighborhood hospital, St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital is your direct path between feeling scared or uncomfortable and feeling better. And you’ll be there in the shortest possible time. Get to know more about our E.R. before an emergency strikes at St-Joseph.org.
A health emergency is something most of us would rather prevent than plan for. But when you need medical care fast, the closest emergency room is a smart thing to know. As your neighborhood hospital, St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital is your direct path between feeling scared or uncomfortable and feeling better. And you’ll be there in the shortest possible time. Get to know more about our E.R. before an emergency strikes at St-Joseph.org.
Burleson Hospital 1101 Woodson Drive
Burleson 1101
Hospital 101 Woodson Drive
Caldwell, Texas 77836
Kolache eating contest a treat during festival
Whoever can finish eating all the required number of kolaches will be declared the winner of their division in the annual Kolache Eating Contest at the Kolache Festival in Caldwell.
The competition is timed and “Czeched” by officials of the event.
Men must eat three kolaches each. Women must eat two. And, the youth contestants (boys and girls 12 and under) have to eat just one.
There is also a team division where each member must finish off three kolaches each for a total of nine.
Last year’s winners were:
* Men’s Division -- Elijah Pollock, four kolaches in two minutes and 2 seconds.
* Women’s Division -- Tina Trevino, two kolaches in 59 seconds.
* Boy’s Division -- Joaquin Casas, one kolache in 26 seconds.
* Girl’s Division -- Kennedy Howe, one kolache, 63 seconds.
Lane Anderson competes in last year’s Kolache Eating Contest.
* Team Division -- the Chuckin Dunkers: Trent Dowley, Steve Roberts and Ryan Wilkins, nine kolaches in two minutes and 10 seconds. There is no registration fee, and the contest will start promptly at noon.
On-site registration on Saturday will begin at 9 a.m. at the corner of Echols and Buck streets. The contest takes place on the south side of the courthouse.
Cash prizes await the champions in each category.
So, get your game face on and let the kolache feast begin!
Aggie Mom’s to hold Kolache Krunch 5K
Fundraiser to provide TAMU scholarships for Burleson County TAMU students
The Burleson County Aggie Moms’ Club will host the seventh annual Kolache Krunch 5K during this year’s Kolache Festival on Sept. 14.
The organizers hope the event will bring new people to the festival while serving as the club’s annual fundraiser for local scholarships to Texas A&M University.
This year’s chip-timed race takes place in downtown Caldwell, right in the heart of the festivities. Race participants will be only steps away from the rest of the many activities to enjoy as part of the Kolache Festival.
The event start and finish line -- as well as the after run party -- will be at 200 East Buck Street. Start time for the race is 7:30 a.m., with registration at 6 a.m.
The after party begins at 8:30 a.m., with the awards given at 9 a.m.
Trophies will be given to the overall male and female winners.
Medals will be given to the first, second and third place males and females in the several age divisions:
* 10 and under.
* Ages 11-14.
* Ages 15-19.
* Ages 20-24.
* Ages 25-29.
* Ages 30-34.
* Ages 35-39.
* Ages 40-44.
* Ages 45-49.
* Ages 50-54.
* Ages 55-59.
com/Race/TX/Caldwell/KolacheKrunch5K, with the fee being $35 until September 12th. The registration fee will be $40 on race day.
Last year’s winners included Cesar
Garcia of College Station as the top male runner with a time of 18:36.13 and Caldwell High School graduate Kymberlee Trnka earning top female See KRUNCH 5K, page 9
* Ages 60-64.
* Ages 65-69.
* 70 and over.
Note that this year, children in strollers are not eligible for awards. Also, no dogs or pets are allowed on the race course during the race. Participants will also be able to attend the exclusive after party for racers and sponsors at the race finish line.
During the after party, the race awards will be announced. Guests will also be able to enjoy kolaches and beverages by area sponsors. Register online at www.runsignup.
all
Runners of
ages compete in the annual Kolache Krunch 5K during last year’s Kolache Festival.
Tribune photo by Roy Sanders
Pictured are the medals for this year’s Kolache Krunch 5K.
Czech out the live music!
Featuring two locations in downtown Caldwell, three bands
The Moravians Polka Band and The Czechaholics will be entertaining Kolache Festival goers, sharing the stage from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. under the “Polka Pavilion” in downtown Caldwell.
And, Ed Kopecky & the Fun Time Polka Band will be playing under the big tent, once the bakeries have sold out of kolaches.
thE moravians
The Moravians was founded in the spring of 2009 by seven high school students. The band began with a slow start, but after winning a high school talent show, the band took off. In the years since, the band has toured across the country with Mollie B, played on the beach in South Padre Island and has performed in numerous local festivals including The Ennis Czech Music Festival, the Caldwell Kolache Festival, The South Texas Polka & Sausage Fest, National Polka Festival and various other events.
Current members include: Matthew Matous, accordion, trumpet, saxophone, keyboard, vocals; Chris Trojacek, accordion, guitar, trumpet, saxophone, bass, vocals; Adam Rejcek, drums, vocals; Nathan Matous, keyboard, trumpet; Zachary Matous, keyboard, bass; Phillip Cryer, saxophone, guitar, vocals; and Tyler Prasifka, accordion, guitar, trumpet, vocals.
The band enjoys taking trips to play in new places and looks forward to spreading the joy of polka music for many years to come.
thE czEchaholics
The Czechaholics are a Czech Polka band from South Central Texas with a reputation for excellence, professionalism and pure entertainment.
The Czechaholics have entertained hundreds of thousands of people in the state of Texas, since their debut in November of 2002.
They began with five musicians, minimal equipment and small crowds.
The Czechaholics have six highly talented musicians, and are now one of the top drawing Czech Polka bands in all venues they play.
Today, The Czechaholics include, Mark Hermes, piano, button accordion and vocals, Brian Svetlik, drums, lead and harmony vocals, James Marek, bass guitar, button accordion, lead and harmony vocals, Brian Klekar, tenor, alto and soprano saxophones, button accordion, keyboards, lead and harmony vocals, Mayo Walker, keyboard, rhythm and lead guitar, tenor saxophone and fiddle and Eugene Klekar on Alto & Tenor Saxophones and Piano.
Having been influenced by other leading Czech polka bands, such as The Red Ravens, The Dujka Brothers, LeeRoy Matocha Orchestra
Ed KopEcKy & thE Fun timE polKa Band
and The Vrazels' Polka Band, The Czechaholics have formed their own unique, more contemporary, style of music to spark interest in the imaginative youth as well as to gratify the traditional sound for the elder generations.
Ed KopEcKy & thE Fun timE polKa Band Ed Kopecky & the Fun Time Polka
Band are local favorites, featuring Kopecky on accordion.
The band plays polka and classic country.
The band will also provide the entertainment for the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum’s Yard Party & Street Dance on Friday, Sept. 13, the night prior to the Kolache Festival.
SPJST Beseda Dancers to perform at festival
The New Tabor and Snook SPJST Youth Beseda Dancers will take the Kolache Festival Downtown Stage on Echols Street at 9:30 a.m., continuing a tradition of always performing the Ceska Beseda Dance at the festival’s opening ceremony.
The SPJST youth, part of the fraternal benefit organization founded by Czech immigrants over 100 years ago, keeps the heritage alive by performing the Ceska Beseda Dance.
The dance is a composite of the many dance steps popular in the provinces and regions of what is now the Czech Republic.
When the people came together for a Beseda, a visit or social gathering, they would each perform the dance that represented their province. There are seven distinctive Beseda dances, one for each of the Czech provinces. The combination of the seven folk dances became known as the Beseda Dance.
The Ceska Beseda features a heel-and-toe polka or double polka. The polka and waltz steps are the most frequently used steps in the Beseda Dance, which is danced by four couples, in Czech costumes, forming a circle.
Dance members range from 6-18 years of age, and most are secondgeneration Kolache Festival Beseda performers.
New Tabor Lodge No. 17
The dancers from New Tabor include: Andrea Story, Lila Supak,
Beseda Dancers from New Tabor SPJST Lodge No. 17 performed at last year’s Kolache Festival.
Jaycee Parker, Bailen Kocurek, Marley Kocurek, Emmy Supak, Millison Dowell, Maylee Dowell, Riley Lloyd, and Brylee Chmelar.
Snook Lodge No. 9
The dancers from Snook include: Wesley See, Jase Hruska, Shane Kienow, Dakota Kienow, Poet Moltzer,
Charlotte Paul, Grayson Giesenschlag and Zachary Giesenschlag.
Beseda Dancers from Snook SPJST Lodge No. 9 performed at last year’s Kolache Festival.
at this
year's dancers.
The Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum presents:
YARD PARTY & STREET DANCE
*bring your lawn chairs and BYOB*
Friday, September 13, 2024
BCCHM Grounds
Fawn Street, Caldwell, TX 77836
Dinner @ 6 pm, Dance 7-10 pm
DINNER:
CZECH
$15/PLATE
204 S. Echols • Downtown Caldwell Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Beseda Dancers from the New Tabor and Snook SPJST Lodges will be performing
year’s Kolache Festival at 9:30 a.m. at the Polka Pavilion on Fox Street. Pictured are last
Fun-filled activities for kids of every age will be at Adventureland. Located on Main Street, opposite the post office and in front of the Caldwell Fire Station, Adventureland offers a variety of engaging activities.
* Enjoy train rides, a petting zoo, browse through vendors, get your face painted, create sand art, visit the Czech kiddo photo booth and savor delicious snacks at this year’s Adventureland.
* Prices vary depending on the activity.
* Adventureland will remain open throughout the Kolache Festival.
Arts and crafts vendors offer gifts galore
Looking for festival souvenirs, gifts or early holiday shopping ideas?
Kolache Festival’s arts and crafts vendors offer a wide array of options. Here’s what you can expect:
* Vendors display their merchandise around the courthouse square and adjacent streets from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
* Items available include ceramics, pottery, fused glass, garden art, hand-painted pumpkins, magnetic art, metal art, paintings, photography, wire art, woodworking and wrought iron.
* Other offerings consist of candles, clocks, floral arrangements, furni -
ture, lamps, quilts, wind chimes, hair clips, hats, jewelry, ladies clothing, purses, soaps, baby items, dolls and pet products.
* Wineries will also participate in this year’s festival.
In addition to kolaches, there are various delectable treats like jams, jellies, pies, bread and cookies.
If you’re interested in selling your products, you can rent arts and crafts booths by contacting the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce at (979) 567-0000 or visiting the Kolache Festival section at www. Burlesoncountytx.com/kolache-fest.
Fall floral designs will be sold during the Kolache Festival by
Come support the 2024 Kolache Festival
Czech National Anthem
By Kathy Davis
The national anthem of the Czech Republic is “Kde Domov Muj?” -- “Where is My Home?,” a stirring song whose lyrics suggest a deep love and yearning for one’s own native land.
It was composed in 1834 by Frantisek Skroup for a play about a village fiddler written by Josef Tyl and entitled “Fidovacka.”
Skroup, a Czech composer and author of the first Czech opera, was born the son of a country teacher and musician. He was one of the main Czech Revivalist composers.
Imagine a quiet Prague street in the first half of the 19th Century. A man is furiously composing, writing a tune on music sheets. The writing is messy, and the sheets show signs of energetic crossing-out of notes and lyrics. The title of the tune is simply, “Song Number 19.”
Now imagine some weeks later the song is first sung in a Prague theater. The theater falls into a dead silence, everyone holding their breath. At the end of the song, the silence continues to be suddenly broken by the eruption of what seems to be an endless show of joy and excitement.
This is the magical power of this song -- a magic that best conveys the soul of the Czech people.
The song remained popular with the Czech people throughout the remainder of the 19th Century and into the 20th Century.
The Czechs took it with them as they spread to the new world.
With the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1919, it was the clear choice to be the anthem for the new nation.
“Kde Domov Muj?”
Kde domov muj?
Kde domov muj?
Voda huci po lucinach
Bory sumi po skalinach,
Ve sade skvi se jara kvet, zemsky raj to na poheld,
A to je ta krasna zeme, Zeme ceska domov muj, Zeme ceska domov muj.
“Where Is My Home?”
Where is my home?
Where is my home?
The water hums over the meadows, The pines whisper over the mountains,
The flower blooms in the orchard in the spring.
It’s a heaven on earth to look at it.
All this is the beautiful country,
The Czech country.
* Kathy Davis is an SPJST Library, Archives and Museum volunteer.
Kolaches for sale at the bake shopPE
Kolaches will be available for purchase at this year’s Kolache Festival for $2 each or $24 for a dozen.
For many years, the Kolache Festival has been renowned for serving the most delicious kolaches in Texas, consistently surpassing expectations. This year promises to be just as exceptional. Under the 100 ft. white tent, visitors can find Burleson County’s very own
Snook Extension Education Association. Also new is Good Dough a bakery out of Galveston who has competed in the bake show competition and last year went home with a win.
Other returning favorites include Kolache Rolf, Oak Street Bakery and
Visitors to last year’s Kolache Festival bought kolaches with all flavors of filling from bakers across the state.
Kountry Bakery . Numerous vendors will participate in this year’s Kolache Festival, offering kolaches for $24 per dozen and $2 each. Expect a wide selection of treats from various vendors, including other pastries.
The vendors will be stationed on Main Street, opposite the courthouse. Bring your family along to indulge in kolaches and explore the arts and crafts, food vendors, quilts and car show. Plan to arrive early as kolaches tend to sell out quickly, usually by 1 p.m.
Many food vendors at Kolache Festival
The returning food options will include Asian, Cajun, Mexican and barbecue dishes, along with hamburgers, sausages, turkey legs, corn on the cob, kettle corn and snow cones.
These delicious treats will be avail-
able at the food court located near the pavilion.
Visitors can savor various tasty offerings, including the classic Czechstyle kolache while browsing arts and crafts booths or enjoying live music performances. Smoked,
Czech culture thrives through music
Music has always played an integral role in the environment of Czech families, whether in a small family gettogether, a wedding or a festival.
Czech music, from classical to folk, has a magic attraction. It binds families and children, with their longings and dreams. And for the older people, it reminds them of their youth.
Music to the Czech was an elixir to help overcome the difficulties encountered in day-to-day living, and for those early settlers in America who were starting a new life.
Dancing would go with the music, allowing the Czechs to vent a little steam after a day’s or week’s hard work.
Music has always been an integral part of the Czech culture, and Czech music has been a significant influence in many parts of the world. It continues to thrive as demonstrated by many of the “Czech Fests” that are held every year throughout Texas and the United States.
More lively Czech music includes marches, polkas and waltzes. Czech songwriter Jaromir Vejvoda wrote “Skoda Lasky,” which is familiar as “The Beer Barrel Polka.” The song was popular with American soldiers in Europe during World War II.
The polka originated in Czechoslovakia in the 1830s and may have been invented by a Czech servant girl. And there is a claim that the word “polka” is derived from “pulka,” which means “half” and it would make sense since there is a halfstep in this dance.
Early Czech Composers
Czechoslovakia (now the Czech and Slovak republics) is a small country in
Central Europe, but historically, it has produced several world famous composers including Bedrich Smetana and Antonin Dvorak.
Smetana was born in Litomysl in 1824. His most famous opera, “The Bartered Bride,” is played in opera houses throughout the world. Dvorak was born in Nelahozeves, north of Prague, in 1841. He was a violinist and performed at the Czech National Opera in Prague under Smetana. Later, Dvorak came to America, and from 1892 to 1895, he was director of the National Conservatory of Music. During that time, he composed “Symphony No. 9 From The New World.”
Other Czech composers include Frantisek Kmoch (1848-1912), who is the father of the Czech marches, many of which are used in Sokol festivities; Zdenek Fibich (1850-1900); Josef Suk (1874-1935); and Leos Janacek (18541928).
Czech Music in Texas
Czech is the third most-spoken language in the state and music has played a key role in the Czech culture in Texas. Since the 1850s, many early Czech settlers were good musicians, and families formed bands that provided entertainment for weddings, church picnics and town festivals.
In the early days, the true Czech polka band had an instrument called a cymbal or dulcimer, which features about 120 taut strings that are struck xylophonestyle with small hammers. This instrument is currently widely used by bands in the Czech Republic.
Early Czech Bands
Frank Baca of Fayetteville founded
one of the early Czech bands in Texas. They were an all-brass band, and after Frank’s death in 1907, John R. Baca became the bandleader. Their style of music included marches, polkas and waltzes. The members were all well known and made many recordings. Descendants of this band are still playing today.
Another band that originated almost 150 years ago was the Krenek Orchestra, founded in Pisek, near Fayetteville. In later years, this band was known as the Ray Krenek Band. They played polkas and waltzes.
The Patek Family Band dates back to 1895 when Joe Patek’s father, John, arrived from Czechoslovakia. John was already an accomplished musician and upon his arrival, he organized the Patek Orchestra. His sons played in the band, and today, Shiner, Texas, is still known
for two things – Shiner Beer and Joe Patek’s Orchestra.
Some of the other early popular bands in Texas were the Leo Majek Orchestra, Adolph Hoffner, Benny Brosh, Leroy Matocha and the Vrazels. Most all of these bands play polkas and waltzes, but depending on the type of dance crowd, country and western is also played.
Second Generation Bands
The next generation of Texas Czech musicians includes bands such as The Red Ravens, The Donnie Wavra Orchestra, The Czechaholics, The Dujka Brothers, Jodie Mikula, Chris Rybak, Czech & Then Some, The Ennis Czech Boys, Central Texas Sounds, Mark Halata and Texavia, The Lazy Farmers and newer bands, such as The Moravians.
The members of these bands are dedicated to keeping the music and traditions of the Czech culture alive.
Rest station, first aid, cool zone, facilities
CHI St. Joseph Health Burleson Hospital, in cooperation with CHI
St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital, will sponsor and staff a rest station located on the southeast corner of the Burleson County Courthouse lawn.
Anyone who needs first aid or feels ill may go to the tent and medical personnel will be radioed.
For serious health problems, CHI
St. Joseph Health Regional Hospital EMS staff will be circulating throughout the festival area, and ambulances will be parked nearby, providing a quick exit from the grounds, if needed. There will be two Cool Zones available this year: the Warren Lodge located at 211 West Buck Street and the Caldwell Senior Citizens building located at 210 West Buck Street.
PARADE
from PaGe 1
A kroj would provide meaningful insight into the life of its wearer. Along with their regional distinctions, kroje varied based on age, profession, social class, marital status and environment.
To Czechs, kroje symbolize a connection to their roots.
Many families pass their kroje down through the generations as a way of preserving the memory of their ancestors. Today, some couples are even bringing back the tradition of wearing special kroje on their wedding day.
And, among American Czechs, kroje are also important.
Descendants of immigrants form connections to their heritage through their traditional clothing, which is often worn at cultural festivals -- such as the Kolache Festival.
And, it was the significance behind the kroj that brought about the idea of having this year’s parade.
Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum member Natalie Zgabay
said that she and her husband travel to the Czech Republic every summer, experiencing the nation’s festivals -- which begin with people wearing kroje in parades.
“So, to do that here would not only bring a tradition that’s from the actual area where all our ancestors came from, but it would also be something that would bring people from all around the (downtown) square to the pavilion.”
Zgabay said that the parade is a way to have the kroje become an “integral part of the actual festival.”
Burleson County Chamber of Commerce Director Susan Mott said, “This is something I have wanted to do for a few years.”
“I really felt like it needed to be a part of the festival.”
Mott feels that the costume parade will get the local community more involved in the Kolache Festival.
She said, “You don’t have to be Czech to wear kroje. You can wear it in honor of somebody.”
And, that is what Mott herself will be doing in the parade -- honoring her
JAKE’S BAKERY
husband Dale’s late grandmother.
“She was always so sweet and just loved that Dale and I were together. So, if I were to participate, I would do it in honor of her,” Mott said.
Zgabay added that most traditional kroje are “family heirlooms” which makes the clothing more special, and would add to the honoring of family. She said they were in Czechoslova-
kia during the Feast of Corpus Christi and “some of the ladies there were wearing their costumes” which were passed down to them as the “fifth generation.”
“So, those costumes were over 150 years old,” Zgabay said. “Some costumes are known to be over 200 years old.”
PARADE
from PaGe 20
“They are only brought out on special occasions -- maybe two or three times per year,” Zgabay said.
“They are very, very special,” she said.
Zgabay said that she does not own a traditional kroj.
“The one that I wear is off the rack from a lady in West that makes them.”
But, she said that she is looking to have a traditional kroj made.
“But, it takes time,” Zgabay said. “And, it’s very expensive.”
After Zgabay watched these costume parades in Czechoslovakia, she and Mott decided to have a parade in downtown Caldwell during the Kolache Festival this year.
Zgabay said, “So, to bring this (parade) back to the Kolache Festival would have people bring them (kroje) out once per year to celebrate our heritage.”
Mott said, “We are hoping that the community will embrace this.”
Mott added that parade participants do not “have to have a big formal kroj.”
“It could just be a top. It could just be a vest. It could just be a headpiece. Maybe, you just have a Kolache Festival shirt and a headpiece and a skirt -- that’s fine too. We’re just really wanting to get it off the ground and are encouraging people to be a part of it.”
The parade is for all ages, Mott said, “from toddlers on up.”
Mott said there will be golf carts available for those who would like to participate, but may not be able to walk in the parade.
“I’m really looking forward to it and
These ladies are dressed in authentic Moravian krojes in Hostyn, Czechoslovakia, celebrating Feast Day of Corpus Christi. Also pictured are Natalie and Zach Zgabay.
hoping that the community does take part in it,” she said.
Mott said that she is “thrilled” that the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum is “getting behind this” for the Kolache Festival, focusing on the local Czech heritage -- which makes this festival “special” and not just “any old event.”
“That’s what this festival is about. It’s a cultural festival.”
“So, having the parade representing the Czech culture, is a must,” Mott said. “Otherwise, we’re just any old festival.”
“These types of festivals get so commercialized that we lose what it really is about.”
“So, by having a kroje parade, we’re making our festival special.”
“It’s important to represent this culture,” she said.
Mott also said that many people do not know what a kroj is, and this is one way to introduce it to them.
She said that she hopes in the future to display a kroj during the festival, explaining the significance to the Czech culture.
The parade will start at 8:15 a.m. at the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum, located at 201 East Fawn Street in Caldwell, and will circle the downtown square before heading to the city’s pavilion on Fox Street for the festival’s opening ceremonies.
Car show revs up with new award categories in 2024
The Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show will be held during the annual Kolache Festival at John E. Hejl Park at Davidson Creek, located one block east of State Highway 36 South and Buck Street.
The show is scheduled from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m.
And, this year, the categories will be different.
Jamie Jennings with the show said, “This year we will be changing the awards to include some newer additions to the car show and reflection of car shows past.”
Awards, presented at 1 p.m. will be given to:
* Top three classic trucks 1989 and older.
* Top three classic cars 1989 and older.
* Top two trucks 1990 and newer.
* Top two cars 1990 and newer.
* Best engine.
* Best paint.
* Most customized/unique any year model category.
* Phil Perry Memorial Best in Show Award (previously, the “People’s Choice Award”).
* Bernard Rychlik Memorial Award.
Following the awards spectators may view the car show’s grand exit at the park’s entrance and along Wright Street.
Registration is $30 per vehicle, and entry forms are posted at www.burlesoncountytx.com/kolache-fest. Preregistered participants will receive a free T-shirt while supplies last.
Admission is free to the general
last
Car owners also showed off “what was under the hood” at last year’s Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show. public, and a free shuttle will run between the festival on the Square and Davidson Creek Park. Bus pick up and drop off will be at the Kraitchar House and the entrance of Davidson Creek Park, running every 20-30 minutes.
There will also be food vendors and music with Jennings as DJ.
A professional photographer will be available to have “your ride” professionally photographed.
Photos will be taken of all winners, and a calendar will be made for the 2025 calendar year for sale.
There will also be a suggestion box
for input to make changes to make the car show more enjoyable.
Last year’s People’s Choice Award was presented to Circle C Classics owners, Leon and Debbie Couch, for their 1955 blue and silver Ford pickup. They also won Top Truck.
The complete awards included:
* Top Car: Gary Mechler, 1962 International Harvester Scout 80 maroon and white, first; Frank Tarbert, 1967 red and white Chevy Camaro Coupe, second; Chuck Owen, 1970 red Chevy El Camino SS, third.
* Top Truck: Circle C Classics owner Leon and Debbie Couch, 1955
Muscle cars and street rods were on display at
year’s Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show.
blue and silver Ford pickup; Mike Ziesler, 1970 orange Chevy C-10 pickup; Bill Roskey, 1952 Chevy red pickup.
* Rychlik Award: Johnny Bishop, 1992 red and black Chevy pickup.
* Phil Perry Award: Ethan Mitch-
ell, 1967 White Nova.
* Sheriff Award: Cindy Perry, 1955 Yellow Chevy Belair.
* Most Unique Award: James Jennings, 1957 Gold Ford Ranchero. For more information, contact the Chamber office at (979) 567-0000.
This truck was on display at last year’s Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show during the Kolache Festival.
Classic cars such as this one was on display at last year’s Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show.
Bygone techniques demonstrated at Kraitchar House during festival
The Kraitchar House will be open for free tours and demonstrations from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. during the Kolache Festival in Caldwell.
The bygone techniques of bobbin lace making, corn grinding, butter making, blacksmithing, weaving on a loom and spinning on a wheel will be demonstrated.
Many of the artists that will be selling their wares include: Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild, Intersections Textile Learning Center & Gallery in Bryan and Twisted Rick’s Blacksmithing.
The Burleson County Historical Society welcomes you to tour the house and shaded backyard -- and maybe get a taste of homemade butter or take home some cracked corn for your chickens.
The Kraitchar House
The Kraitchar House, an example of a Victorian cottage-style residence, was built in 1891 for area merchant, Burleson County tax assessor and Caldwell city alderman
Thomas Kraitchar, Jr.
It remained in the family until 1982.
The Burleson County Historical Society has restored it and conducts tours by special appointment during the year, including a special children’s room display in the back room of the house.
The cypress-constructed home features a five-bay symmetrical facade with a central gable.
Outside, a “Heritage Brick” pathway honors current and former area residents, organizations, communities, public officials, businesses and friends of the society. The pathway has recently been extended to the backyard. Funds from the brick program are used for upkeep of the house, and information is available at the house for anyone interested in placing a brick on the path. The cost is $50 per brick.
Also, the Society’s most recent history book, “Burleson County -- A Tapestry of History,” is available for
purchase at the Kraitchar House during the festival for an extra special “Kolache Festival” sale price of $20. Other county historical books will also be on sale.
The Burleson County Historical Society welcomes you into the home of this early Czech businessman
and civic leader during the Kolache Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The house is located at the corner of Buck Street and Porter Street.
There is a bus stop at this corner to take you to the car show at the park or back to your car at Caldwell High School.
THE KRAITCHAR HOUSE
HOMEYER
LocaL s dispLay antique farm equipment
Edmund Sebesta and Jason Sebesta are hosts at the annual Antique Machinery & Tractor Show -- a favorite among many Kolache festival attendees.
Machinery, including farm equipment built between 1920 and 1950, will be displayed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The location for the display will be at the pavilion at Davidson Creek Park, east of State Highway 36, near
the Phil Perry Memorial Street Rod & Classic Car Show.
Tractor clubs that often display equipment at the show include: Central Texas Old Iron Collectors, International Harvester Collectors, Texas Early Day Tractor & Engine Association and the Sharecroppers Antique Farm & Equipment Club. For information, call (979) 3244195.
Restored tractors, like this beauty, will be on display at this year’s Antique Machinery & Tractor Show at Davidson Creek Park.
Bakers vie for awards in the Kolache Bake Show
The 2024 Kolache Festival’s Kolache Bake Show will take place on Saturday, Sept. 14, featuring five divisions: Youth, Nonprofessional Burleson County, Nonprofessional State, Professional and Kolache Roll.
A baker may enter one entry in each of the 12 kolache division classes with one plate consisting of six average size kolaches of the same filling and dough.
Kolache Division Classes are: apple, apricot, cheese, peach, poppyseed, prune, sausage, meat and cheese combo, other and cheese combo, other fruit, other meat and other.
For the Kolache Roll Division, a baker may enter one entry in each of the three kolache roll classes with one plate consisting of six approximately 1-inch slices of the same filling and dough.
Kolache Roll Division Classes are: cream cheese, poppyseed and other. This division was added in 2019. Each plate of kolaches entered should have an entry form which can be found on the Kolache Festival Brochure or on the Burleson County Chamber website at BurlesonCountyTX.com/kolache-fest. It will also be available at the Bake Show site the morning of the event.
The art of baking kolaches came to Burleson County with the early immigrants from the old country where the kolache was the original Czech wedding pastry and is still a national favorite throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia (formerly Czechoslovakia).
Area bakers and those from around the state have competed for decades
in an effort to win the title of Grand Champion at the Kolache Festival in Caldwell, and the tradition continues this year for adult and youth bakers -- both nonprofessional and professional.
The mission of the Bake Show is to celebrate kolache baking skills, regardless of the status of the bakers, whether professional, nonprofessional or youth.
Registration for the annual Kolache Bake Show will be from 7:45-10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Caldwell Methodist Church, located at 306 West Fox Street in Caldwell.
Judging will begin at 10:30 a.m. Grand and reserve champions and first place class winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. during the festival.
Ribbons and judges’ score sheets for all entries will be given to participants immediately after the awards ceremony.
All bakers who are eligible to enter more than one Kolache Division must enter all kolache entries in the same kolache division. All bakers are eligible to enter the Kolache Roll Division as well as one Kolache Division.
Youth are defined as Nonprofessionals, who are ages 9 through 18, or still enrolled in high school as of Jan. 1, 2024.
All Burleson County residents who are Nonprofessional adult bakers may enter either the Nonprofessional Burleson County or Nonprofessional State division, but they may enter in only one kolache division in any given year.
Nonprofessional State Division is
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
for Nonprofessional adult bakers who reside outside of Burleson County, and for Burleson County Nonprofessional adult bakers who have chosen to enter this division.
Professional bakers of any age are those who have owned or have been employed by a bakery and/or those who have received more than $1,000 in gross sales from the sale of baked goods from their home or any other means. Once a baker enters the show as professional, he or she will always be considered a professional for the contest. All other bakers are nonprofessional or youth.
All Grand Champion winners of the 2023 Kolache Bake Show are not eligible to compete in 2024, but may compete in 2025.
The Grand Champions of 2023 are invited to judge in the 2024 Kolache Bake Show.
Last year’s winners were:
* Non-professional Burleson County Division:
- Grand Champion: Sharon Fuller of Caldwell, cheese.
- Reserve Champion: Hannah Kovar of Snook coconut cream.
-Apple: Marie Shelfer of Snook, first; Noah Kovar of Caldwell, second; Hannah Kovar of Snook, third.
- Apricot: Sharon Fuller, first; Cindy Jarrott, Somerville, second; and Marie Shelfer, third.
- Cheese: Sharon Fuller, first; Marie Shelfer, second; Hannah Kovar, third.
- Peach: Noah Kovar, first; Hayden Kovar of Snook, second; and Hannah Kovar, third.
- Poppyseed: Cathy Moore, Somerville, first; Clyde Mordica of Snook, second; and Hayden Kovar, third.
- Prune: Clyde Mordica, first; Cindy Jarrott, second.
- Sausage: Clyde Mordica, first.
- Meat and Cheese Combo: Cindy Jarrot, first.
- Other and Cheese Combo: Marie Shelfer, first; Hannah Kovar, second; Clyde Mordica, third.
- Other Fruit: Clyde Mordica, first; Hannah Kovar, second; and Marie Shelfer, third.
- Other: Hannah Kovar, first; Hayden Kovar, second; and Cindy Jarrott, third.
* Non-Professional State Division:
- Grand and Reserve Champion: Charissa Walker, Needville.
- Apple: Sara Faust, Bryan, first; Rachel Clanton, College Station, second; Stephanie Langwell, Milano, third.
- Apricot: Charisse Walker, first; JoAnn Shimek, El Campo, second; Laura Druedow, Taylor, third.
- Cheese: Charisse Walker, Needville, first; Evelyn Molatek, Buda, second; Kelsey Brooks, Bryan, third.
- Peach: Stephanie Langwell, Milano, first; Rachel Clanton, College Station, second; and Beth Bienski, Bryan, third.
- Poppyseed: Nikolas Faust, Bryan, first; Charisse Walker, Needville, second; Debbie Shultz, Clarksville, Arkansas, third.
- Prune: Laura Dreudown, first; Sara Faust, second, Evelyn Malatek, third.
- Sausage: Mary Polasek, Caldwell, first; Debbie Shultz, second; and Sara Faust, third.
- Meat and Cheese Combo: Misty Shultz, Crystal Beach, first; Stephanie Langwell, second, Mary Polasek, third.
- Other and Cheese Combo, Charissa Walker, first; Mary Polasek, second, Sara Faust, third.
- Other Fruit: Charisse Walker, first; Laura Druedow, second; and Mary Polasek, third.
- Other: Judy Ebert, Huntsville, first; Nikolas Faust, second; Charisse Walker, third.
* Youth Division:
- Grand Champion: Zara Langwell, Milano, apricot.
- Reserve Champion: Faith Krause, Hearne, other/cheese combo.
- Apple: Faith Krause, first.
- Apricot: Zara Langwell, first.
- Cheese: Taryn Krause, first.
- Peach: Faith Krause, first.
- Poppyseed: Taryn Krause, first.
- Prune: Reece Thigpen, first.
- Sausage: Asa Sandstron, first.
- Meat and Cheese Combo: Marley Kocurek, first.
- Other and Cheese Combo: Kaith Krause, first.
- Other Fruit: Eli Bienski, first.
- Meat: Bailen Kocurek, first.
BAKE SHOW
- Other: Reece Thigpen, first.
* Champion Division (There will not be a Champions Division this year.):
- Sydney Faust took the grand and reserve championships and won first in all categories, which included apple, apricot, cheese, peach, poppyseed, prune and sausage.
* Professional Division:
- Grand and Reserve Champion, Jake’s Bakery of Caldwell. They won grand champion with a prune kolache and reserve with a sausage kolache.
- Apple: Britney Windrum, Lubbock, first; Good Dough, Galveston, second; Lydia Faust, Snook third.
- Apricot: Jakes Bakery, first; Good Dough, second; and Weikel’s Bakery of Brenham, third.
- Cheese: Jake’s Bakery, first; Weikel’s Bakery, second; and Lydia Faust, third.
- Peach: Heather Blaylock, Lubbock, first; Britney Windrum, second; and Jake’s Bakery, third.
- Poppyseed: Good Dough, first; Britney Windrum, second; and Lydia Faust, third.
- Prune: Jake’s Bakery, first; Britney Windrum, second; and Lydia Faust, third.
- Sausage: Jake’s Bakery, first; Good Dough, second; Kolache Shoppe, Houston, third.
- Meat and Cheese Combo: Jake’s Bakery, first; Olde Towne Kolache, Houston, second; and Kolache Schoppe, third.
- Other and Cheese Combo: Olde Towne Kolache, first; Kolache Schoppe, second; Britney Windrum, third.
Grand champions from last year’s Kolache Bake show included, from left Sydney Faust, Robert Campbell and Caroline Campbell of Jake’s Bakery in Caldwell, Carolyn Brinkmann and Charisse Walker. Joining them is Kolache Festival Queen Macy Narro. Not pictured is Sharon Fuller for grand champion in the non-professional Burleson County division.
Brinkmann, first; JoAnn Shimek, second; and Sarah Faust of Bryan third.
- KRE Poppyseed: Lydia Faust, first; Clyde Mordica of Snook second; and JoAnn Shimek, third.
Plaque and $100.
Advisers are Holly Narro and Kaydie Degelia of Burleson County AgriLife Extension Service. from PaGe
- Other Fruit: Britney Windrum, first; Jake’s Bakery, second; and Heather Blaylock, third.
- Other: Britney Windrum, first; Good Dough, second; and James Jordon of Boerne, third.
- Meat: Good Dough, first; Heather Blaylock, second; and Kolache Schoppe, third.
*Kolache Roll:
- Grand Champion: Carolyn Brinkmann of Caldwell, cream cheese.
- Reserve Champion: JoAnn Shimek of El Campo, cinnamon pecan raisin.
- KRCC Cream Cheese: Carolyn
- KRL Other: JoAnn Shimek, first; and Nikolas Faust, second.
This year, trophies and cash prizes will be given in the following divisions:
*Youth: Grand Champion Trophy and $300, Reserve Champion Trophy and $100.
*Nonprofessional Burleson County: Grand Champion Trophy and $300, Reserve Champion Trophy and $100.
*Nonprofessional State: Grand Champion Trophy and $300, Reserve Champion Trophy and $100.
*Professional: Grand Champion Trophy and $300, Reserve Champion Trophy and $100.
*Kolache Roll: Grand Champion Trophy and $300, Trophy Champion
For additional information, contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Office at (979) 567-2308, visit the office at 100 W. Buck St., Suite 105, Caldwell, or email burleson-tx@ ag.tamu.edu.
Kolache Bake Show committee
members are: Ann Sebesta, Bruno Shimek, Lillian Beasley, Brian Estlund, Carolyn Brinkmann and Peggy Trochta.
Creative Memories Quilt Guild Show
The Creative Memories Quilt Guild will be holding its Country Store during its show on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 13-14, at the Caldwell Civic Center, featuring fabrics, crafts, pattern books and quilted items for sale.
SET FOR FRIDAy, SATURDAy
Civic Center to host 37th annual show
The Creative Memories Quilt Guild invites everyone to attend the 37th Annual Quilt Show -- held on the same weekend as the annual Kolache Festival.
There is no entry fee for the quilt show, and it will give all a great opportunity to see the wonderful quilts and crafts of the guild at the Caldwell Civic Center.
This year there will be over 80 quilts entered in the show, held on Friday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Categories for entries will be Large Quilts (above 78 inches wide), Small Quilts (62 to 77 inches wide), Lap Quilts (less than 62 inches wide), Wall Hangings, Patriotic Quilts as well as a Guild Challenge Section.
- Community Award: Peachie Burlin.
- Kolache Award: Mary Wolz.
* Viewer’s Choice Awards:
- Large Quilts: Mary Wolz, first
See QUILT SHOW, page 29
The judging of the quilts is done by the attending public, and everyone is encouraged to vote for their favorite in each category.
The award ribbons will be presented at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
The winners from last year’s quilt show were:
* Opportunity Quilt Winner: Linda Grupa.
* Special Awards:
- Business Award: Peachie Burlin.
Quilts of all patterns will be on display at this year’s Creative Memories Quilt Guild Show on Sept. 13-14 in Caldwell.
QUILT SHOW
from PaGe 28
place; Peachie Burlin, second place.
- Small Quilts: Shirley Thiessen, first place; Vickie Rutledge, second place.
- Lap Quilts: Sharon Colley, first place; Peggy Acebo, second place.
- Patriotic Quilts: Sara Bynum, first place; Judy Hubnik, second place.
- Wall Hangings: Margareta Pesl DeLise, first; place; Mary Rowell, second place.
- Miscellaneous: Pam Unnasch, first place; Judy Bishop, second place.
- Challenge Blocks 2023: Mary Wolz, first place; Sharon Colley, second place.
This year, an ongoing sewing demonstration will be part of the event, showing different quilting techniques. Visitors will be able to observe regular quilt piecing, paper piecing, foundation piecing, applique and wool work.
Also, the guild will host its Country Store which will offer a huge selection of fabrics, crafts, pattern books and quilted items on sale this year. The guild members have been making a variety of items which include baby quilts, kitchen items, sewing notions and much more.
There will also be a special area, called “Coffee Can Choice,” where everyone will have a chance to buy a ticket for $1 each or six for $5 to win various items. This year, there will be chances for a Poppins Bag, car wash, Hibiscus plants, quilting items, along with several gift certifi-
Cats were a common theme at last year’s Creative Memories Quilt Guild Show. cates and much more. In addition to the Country Store and Coffee Can Choice, there will be a chance to win a beautiful large quilt called “Creative Creations” which is 96 inches by 109 inches. Tickets will be available at the door for $1 each or six for $5.
The guild will draw for the winner of the large quilt and all Coffee Can Choice items on Saturday at 4 p.m. Funds raised during the show will be used to fund programs and projects throughout the year.
This past year, the guild held
three separate food collections for the Christians Care Food Pantry, donated 85 lap quilts to Hospice Brazos Valley and made a quilt for a local fire department to be used at their annual auction.
The guild is very active and invites new members to join them at Caldwell Methodist Church on Fox Street on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9 a.m. Members come from Caldwell, Lyons, Somerville, Rockdale, Burton, Bryan, Magnolia, Brenham, Thorndale, Chriesman, Dime Box, Hearne, Cameron,
Conroe, Houston and Milano.
The local guild has a wide variety of quilters that cover the entire gamut of types and levels of quilting. As in any hobby, there are always new and exciting opportunities to learn new skills and tools of the trade. The guild tries to bring in well-known quilters from all over Texas to teach new skills or show new techniques.
The Caldwell Civic Center is located at 103 Presidential Corridor West (State Highway 21) in Caldwell.
Hair Salon
-- 2023 Kolache Festival --
Snook Spjst Lodge Beseda Dancers performed during last year’s Kolache Festival in downtown Caldwell.
Sand artists created this sculpture during last year’s Kolache Festival, promoting the festival and the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo.
The Czechaholics will once again be a featured band during this year’s Kolache Festival in downtown Caldwell.
Proud sponsor of the 2024 Kolache Festival!
J ak Se Ma s
Pr os p eri t y B an k we l come s yo u to “The K ola c he Cap i ta l of Te xas ” Come expe ri en ce and en jo y all the f est iv al has t o o er.
Joe Rychlik and Zach Zgabay address the crowd during the opening ceremonies of last year’s Kolache Festival.
Scarfing down kolaches is part of the fun at the annual eating contest during the Kolache Festival.
crowd enjoyed dancing to bands at last year’s festival, featuring traditional polka music.
featuring the accordion.
The Moravians entertained the Kolache Festival crowd with polka music,
The Kolache Festival
FREE ADMISSION
All day Shuttle Bus from: • Caldwell High School to Kraitchar House
Quilt Show
Kolache Krunch 5K
State of Texas Kolache Bake Show
Kolache Bake Shoppe
Kolache Eating Contest
Adventureland Kids’ Activity Zone
Antique Machinery & Tractor Show
Domov Muj’ Czech National Anthem
Demonstrations at The Kraitchar House
Perry Memorial
Rod & Classic Car Show
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor:
PRE-SALE TICKETS ONLY
Contact a BCCHM member or the Chamber for more information.
Friday, September 13
at the Burleson County Czech Heritage Museum Dinner • 6 p.m. Dance • 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Live Polka Music by Ed Kopecky & The Fun Time Polka Band
KOLACHE FESTIVAL SATURDAY EVENTS -POLKA PAVILION-
8:15 a.m.: Kroje Folk Costume Parade (201 E. Fawn • Caldwell)
9:00 a.m.: Vitem & (Welcome) Opening Ceremonies:
Opening Prayer, Flag Ceremony, National & “KDE DOMOVMUJ” (Czech National Anthem), Local dignitaries , Crowning of Miss Kolache Festival
9:30 a.m.: SPJST Youth Beseda Dancers
11:00 a.m.: The Moravians & The Czechaholics
Once the bakeries have closed: Ed Kopecky & The Fun Time Polka Band (Main Street under the Kolache Bake Shoppe Tents)
11:00 a.m.: Kolache Eating Contest (southside of the courthouse) 3:30 p.m.: State Championship Kolache Bake Show Awards & Ceremony
www.burlesoncountytx.com/kolache-fest
